Drug cocktail could rebuild broken spines

Two drugs used for bone marrow transplants and bladder control are putting stem cells on “red alert” to build new bone. Scientists can grow back damaged spines in rats, and are keen to move to human trials. Because the drugs are already in use, they can skip safety trials and move straight to testing in humans. After only a twomonth trial, they believe, they could move to full clinical trials. The cocktail may also help heart regeneration.